What is the first line intervention for a patient showing signs of respiratory distress?

Administering supplemental oxygen is a crucial first-line intervention for a patient in respiratory distress because it helps to increase the oxygen saturation in the patient's blood. When a patient exhibits signs of respiratory distress, it indicates that their body is not receiving adequate oxygen, which can lead to hypoxia and compromised organ function. By providing supplemental oxygen, EMTs can quickly support the patient's breathing and ensure that vital organs receive the necessary oxygen, potentially preventing further deterioration.

In situations of respiratory distress, the priority is to maintain oxygen flow rather than advanced interventions such as intubation, which is typically reserved for cases where patients are unable to maintain their own airway or when respiratory support is inadequate despite supplemental oxygen. Performing chest compressions is not indicated unless there is a cardiac arrest, and checking for a pulse is irrelevant in the context of directly managing respiratory distress when the patient is still conscious and trying to breathe. Therefore, supplemental oxygen serves as the most immediate and effective response to support respiratory function.